Resting in God’s Mercy – Following Jesus From the Edges –

Following Jesus From the Edges

Resting in God’s Mercy

Pastor Calvin Cook

June 10, 2026

“Answer me when I call to You, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.” — Psalm 4:1

I have been thinking a great deal lately about the people we read about throughout Scripture. Time after time, we encounter men and women who wandered through life searching for something more. Some pursued power. Others sought wealth, security, recognition, or pleasure. Many became distracted by the things of the world, drawn away by evil influences, or convinced that their own plans were more important than God’s purposes.

The truth is that not much has changed.

We still live in a world filled with distractions. We are constantly tempted to believe that peace can be found in success, possessions, comfort, popularity, or control. Yet despite all our efforts, many of us still find ourselves restless, anxious, and searching.

As I have reflected on these things, my thoughts have continually returned to the ideas of surrender, peace, contentment, and what it truly means to rest within the will of God.

Recently, I have been drawn to Psalm 4. In just eight short verses, David offers several prayers that provide hope, comfort, and direction for life. Verse 1 in particular captured my attention:

“Answer me when I call to You, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.” Psalm 4:1

As I sat with those words, I found myself asking an important question: What am I really calling on God to do in my life?

Am I simply asking God to make me feel better? Am I seeking personal relief so I can enjoy the life I think I deserve? Am I asking Him to bless my plans, fulfill my desires, and provide comfort according to my definition of success? Or am I truly seeking the mercy of God and the fullness of His righteousness?

There is a difference. One prayer asks God to serve our purposes. The other asks God to transform our hearts.

King David the writer of Psalms 4 does not appeal to his own goodness. He calls upon God’s righteousness and God’s mercy. He recognizes that true peace is not found in getting everything we want. True peace comes from recognizing that the presence of God brings  righteousness and mercy, or at least it should. And what God brings should be received and life changing.

Perhaps that is why David concludes this psalm with one of the most comforting promises in Scripture: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8)

The peace David experienced was not based on perfect circumstances. It was based on complete trust.

Maybe today our greatest need is not for God to give us everything we are asking for. Maybe our greatest need is for God to help us surrender completely to Him. When we stop chasing what the world promises and begin resting in His mercy, we discover the peace we have been searching for all along.

May we learn to call upon God not merely for relief, but for righteousness. Not merely for comfort, but for His presence. Not merely for our will to be accomplished, but for His.